MELAS SYNDROME Meaning and
Definition
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MELAS syndrome, or Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke-like episodes, is a rare genetic disorder that affects the mitochondria, which are often referred to as the powerhouses of the cells. This syndrome typically arises due to a mutation in the mitochondrial DNA.
Individuals with MELAS syndrome experience various symptoms, primarily affecting systems that require substantial amounts of energy. These symptoms often include muscle weakness or pain, recurrent headaches, seizures, progressive loss of cognitive abilities, and difficulty coordinating movements. In addition, many individuals with MELAS syndrome accumulate a buildup of lactic acid in their blood, leading to a condition called lactic acidosis. Furthermore, the syndrome is characterized by stroke-like episodes, which can manifest as temporary paralysis, vision and hearing problems, or altered consciousness.
The age of symptom onset and the specific symptoms can vary widely among affected individuals. Some individuals may develop symptoms in early childhood, while others may not exhibit signs until adolescence or adulthood. The severity of MELAS syndrome can also differ significantly, ranging from mild to severe cases.
Diagnosis of MELAS syndrome involves various tests, such as genetic testing, muscle biopsies, and analysis of lactic acid levels in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid. While there is no cure for this syndrome, management primarily focuses on treating symptoms and preventing complications. Treatment may include medications to control seizures, physical therapy to alleviate muscle weakness, and supplements to support mitochondrial function. Given the complexity of MELAS syndrome, a multidisciplinary medical approach involving various specialists is often required to provide comprehensive care for affected individuals.
Common Misspellings for MELAS SYNDROME
- nelas syndrome
- kelas syndrome
- jelas syndrome
- mwlas syndrome
- mslas syndrome
- mdlas syndrome
- mrlas syndrome
- m4las syndrome
- m3las syndrome
- mekas syndrome
- mepas syndrome
- meoas syndrome
- melzs syndrome
- melss syndrome
- melws syndrome
- melqs syndrome
- melaa syndrome
- melaz syndrome
- melax syndrome
- melad syndrome
Etymology of MELAS SYNDROME
The term "MELAS syndrome" is an acronym that stands for "Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis, and Stroke-like episodes". Each letter of the term represents a different characteristic or symptom of the condition. The word "melas" itself is derived from Greek, where it means "black" or "dark", in reference to the microscopic appearance of affected muscle tissue. It was coined by Dr. Pavlakis and colleagues in 1984 to describe a specific type of mitochondrial disorder characterized by the symptoms mentioned in the acronym.
